The Macchiatonda Nature Reserve covers 244 hectares of land between the coast and the highway below Capalbio divided into a managed organically uncultivated agricultural area and a protected wetlands and wildlife area. The area preserves the remnants of a lowlands Elm forest in groves, newly introduced tree and shrub species, wetland meadows, and three small coastal lakes.

The Reserve is rich in birdlife, including nesting lapwings, golden plovers, curlews, widgeons, teals and mallards, sea birds like ploverfish, oystercatchers, and Corsican gulls, migrating cranes and wild geese which winter in the area and set off in Spring, and birds of prey that fly down from the nearby Tolfa hills to hunt, including Harriers, Kites and Short-toed Eagles. There are numerous easy access paths, a number of observation huts, and though access is regulated, it’s often free, and has a guided tour with a park ranger on Sunday mornings.